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Should PR counsel against buying academic credibility?

Source credibility is a key component of public relations communications – with “expertise” identified as an important factor in studies of persuasive theory. So it is not surprising that organisations seek the endorsement of academic authors.

This review challenged any links between soft drinks and obesity – but its credibility is questioned by the fact that it was funded by the American Beverage Association. Other claims are that the authors have close links with the industry and their conclusions are always favorable to the beverage companies.

In fact, there is an inherent Catch 22 here – if the academics produce reports that favour the sponsoring organisation, they are accused of lacking objectivity and being too close to a particular industry. If their work is critical, the funding organisation (whether this is corporate or government) is unlikely to be too keen on the findings.

Given this question over credibility – perhaps public relations practitioners should counsel against the lose-lose situation of funding academic research.

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Heather Yaxley

Heather Yaxley is passionate about PR - teaching the CIPR qualifications, lecturing part-time at Bournemouth University and running the Motor Industry Public Affairs Association (MIPAA). I'm undertaking a PhD looking at Career Strategies in PR. I love sharing ideas and knowledge - connecting news and views by blogging on public relations and educational developments, especially relating to accelerated and active learning. I'm also a published author, qualified trainer and experienced consultant.
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